yes, it does look very nice! We have two kids (2&4) so I have started looking at catalina 25s, wondering if we'd want the extra space. But it doesn't quite have the same classic good looks And it doesn't add that much (cockpit is the same), and I'd loose ability to trailer with my vehicle.That's a beautiful boat though. I'd carry her home on my back if I had to.
I do not subscribe to that point of view. The two of us are happy as clams for a week at a time on our C22, and plan to live aboard our 27' for a couple years, maybe more. But everyone is different, with their own threshold for personal space.I like the idea of a small, quality boat that I can just trailer with our SUV. Trying to avoid 2-footitis before I've even purchased.. Reading online is no help, as everyone loves to spend other people's money. Typical is; "you really need at least 30 ft to be comfortable. For two people. But really 34 would be best". ugh.
Thanks, it's a rare view. I'd like to approach this more from the camping side than the "condo on the water".. In any case we'll probably just go for day trips for at least the first year, maybe more. And maybe just a night at a time for a while after. Our kids are just 2 and 4 years old, they're tiny.I do not subscribe to that point of view. The two of us are happy as clams for a week at a time on our C22, and plan to live aboard our 27' for a couple years, maybe more. But everyone is different, with their own threshold for personal space.
There is certainly the option of a water ballasted boat, like the Mac 26 which Justin mentioned, or a Hunter 260, or Catalina 250 ... I'm sure there are more. If you want more room for roughly the same weight, that genre might be worth looking at.
FWIW, my parents cruised the Bahamas for a year with my sister (3yrs) and me (still in diapers) in a 18.5' Alacrity twin-keeler. Mom only pulled the plug when my sister began having too many conversations with too many "friends" who weren't actually there.
FWIW I bought the boat few weeks ago. Had actually forgotten about this thread.. Couldn't get the seller down on price much, think I overpaid. But was the only boat in non-terrible condition I'd seen (that fit my narrow requirements), and was tired of looking. If not this one I would not have gotten out this season. oh well. Sails are original and probably needs replacing, and a furler.. $$$.. But I'll take it out with what I got at first.That's a beautiful boat though. I'd carry her home on my back if I had to.
Have a blast, @Scandium! We've been sailing our Catalina 22 with 2 kids (currently 11 and 8) for a few seasons now. We started when our kids were about the same age as yours, as a way to get outside with kids too small for backpacking. We stick to 3-6 days out at a time. And we've found we always look for space at a dock (vs. anchoring or mooring balls). It's good for everyone to have some space to walk.FWIW I bought the boat few weeks ago. Had actually forgotten about this thread.. Couldn't get the seller down on price much, think I overpaid. But was the only boat in non-terrible condition I'd seen (that fit my narrow requirements), and was tired of looking. If not this one I would not have gotten out this season. oh well. Sails are original and probably needs replacing, and a furler.. $$$.. But I'll take it out with what I got at first.
Thankfully really zero work needed, just touching up bottom paint spots, cleaning and plan to launch in 2-3 weeks. Slip in pasadena MD if anyone in the area wants to say hi (not really, you'd just laugh at my lack of skill)
Thanks! Noted, I go back and forth, like the no-fuss of hank on. Mainly want furler just for day to day simplicity when we're out with two little kids who demand attention, not so much reefing (yet) as I'll stick to good weather outings for a while (ofc can always be surprised). I'll see how long this sail lasts, but when I need a new one anyway I'll probably get a furler, it's "only" ~$600 on this boat.I know I've already beaten this drum but I only have a roller furler now because the boat came with one. When it eventually breaks, I'm going to go back to hanked on sails. A down haul in a strong blow is much more reliable than a roller furled head sail. Just my 2 cents and worth every penny.
That's awesome to hear! Reading forums there's always push for bigger boats. Rarely hear from anyone with fewer than 30+ feet, for two people.. (maybe because all the smaller boat owners are busy out sailingHave a blast, @Scandium! We've been sailing our Catalina 22 with 2 kids (currently 11 and 8) for a few seasons now. We started when our kids were about the same age as yours, as a way to get outside with kids too small for backpacking. We stick to 3-6 days out at a time. And we've found we always look for space at a dock (vs. anchoring or mooring balls). It's good for everyone to have some space to walk.
One addition that's been a real winner for us is centerline jacklines to the bow, and harnesses / tethers for everyone. The kids love to hang out up on the bow while we're under way, and I'm comfortable with them scrambling up there as long as they're clipped in.
Post pictures when you get out, and we'll all enjoy it with you!
Nice! Sounds like your kids are ready for a boating adventure.That's awesome to hear! Reading forums there's always push for bigger boats. Rarely hear from anyway with less than 30+ feet, for two people.. (maybe because all the smaller boat owners are busy out sailing
First visit the kids dove into the v-berth and I realized how huge it is for them Plenty of space there for a while, even with the toilet accessible. Good point about staying at marinas, that'll greatly simplify things. I'm always thinking we need to pack/have room for every single item for a an overnight on the boat itself.
Scandium.... you can have a lot of fun on a 22'. The saying is.. the smaller the boat, the more you sail it.That's awesome to hear! Reading forums there's always push for bigger boats. Rarely hear from anyway with less than 30+ feet, for two people.. (maybe because all the smaller boat owners are busy out sailing
First visit the kids dove into the v-berth and I realized how huge it is for them Plenty of space there for a while, even with the toilet accessible. Good point about staying at marinas, that'll greatly simplify things. I'm always thinking we need to pack/have room for every single item for a an overnight on the boat itself.